Events

Metropolitan Police Service hosted Black History exhibition

October 2006

Local school children in West London were given a rare insight into Black History as they toured an exhibition hosted by the Metropolitan Police Service.

The exhibition at Empress State Building included images and stories loaned from the Black Cultural Archives covering the history of black footballers, actors and the Black Presence in London, a history from 16th Century to modern times.

The Diversity & Citizen Focus Directorate worked with Hammersmith and Fulham Borough Youth Officer and the local Safer Neighbourhoods Teams to invite 60 children in their last year at Fulham Primary and Normand Park Primary Schools to take part in the day.

In addition to the exhibition there were a series of challenging workshops:

The Real Hip-Hop Workshop looked at how to promote community cohesion and dispel the negative imagery connected to some elements of rap culture. It was led by Ian Soloman, project director of 'FURIOUS' at the Pan Center of Intercultural Arts.
The 'Show Racism the Red Card' charity brought their patron ex-Chelsea FC footballer Paul Canoville, the first Black footballer to play professionally for Chelsea FC. He joined PC Ikeazor to show an educational DVD and then answer questions around racism in football and policing.
The Black Cultural Archives workshop aimed to engage the pupils with the Black History exhibitions on display.

DAC Rose Fitzpatrick, Diversity & Citizen Focus Directorate, said: "It is great to welcome young citizens to this event, to share this wealth of cultural history, personal experience and to debate today's important issues. Black History Month is a time of celebration and reflection for the MPS. We believe our diverse workforce in key to delivering quality policing and making London the safest major city worldwide for everyone we serve."

Click on the photos to enlarge.

       

Source: Metropolitan Police Service